UPSC Notes

Drone Technology & Counter-Drone Systems

PYQs

8

Articles

1

Momentum

21

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

Emerging technologies like drones have profound implications for national security, economic development, and regulatory frameworks. UPSC assesses understanding of technological advancements, their dual-use nature, and policy responses to associated challenges.

Drone technology involves the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for various applications, ranging from surveillance and logistics to recreational use. The proliferation of drones, however, also poses significant security challenges, leading to the development of counter-drone systems designed to detect, track, and neutralize unauthorized drones.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

Proliferation

Rapid increase in drone usage and complexity

Security Threat

Potential for rogue drones to pose aerial threats to vital installations

Counter-Drone Purpose

Timely detection and neutralization of unauthorized drones

Capacity Building

Collaboration with industry (e.g., Drone Federation of India) for research and training

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaScience & Technology

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
Drone Federation of India (DFI)Industry body, partner in capacity building
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Multi-statement analysis

Prelims angle: Factual recall

Quick revision

  • UAVs with diverse applications.
  • Dual-use technology: civilian and security.
  • Security threat from rogue drones.
  • Counter-drone systems for detection and neutralization.
  • Regulatory frameworks (e.g., Drone Rules) are crucial.

High-confidence PYQs

Topic timeline

Science & Technology

CISF signs MoU to enhance counter-drone skills of security personnel

29 Aug 2026 · Drone technology offers diverse applications but also presents security threats, necessitating the development and deployment of counter-drone systems by security forces.

Read article

Related topics

Current topic

Drone Technology & Counter-Drone Systems

Practice writing on this topic

UPSC has asked 8 linked questions on Drone Technology & Counter-Drone Systems in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.

UPSC Prelims PYQs on Drone Technology & Counter-Drone Systems

Practice official previous year questions asked by UPSC related to this concept.

Which of the following statements with regard to drone swarms is/are correct ? 1. They use Terahertz band of frequency to communicate with the command centr...

2026·Science & Technology
Solve

Consider the following activities: 1. Spraying pesticides on a crop field 2. Inspecting the craters of active volcanoes 3. Collecting breath samples from spo...

2020·Science & Technology
Solve

With reference to Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), consider the following statements: I. All types of UAVs can do vertical landing. II. All types of UAVs ca...

2025·Science & Technology
Solve

With reference to communication technologies, what is/are the difference/differences between LTE (Long-Term Evolution) and VoLTE (Voice over Long-Term Evolut...

2019·Science & Technology
Solve

Consider the following statements about Mission Sudarshan Chakra of India: 1. It aims to enhance India's air defence, ballistic missile defence and aerial o...

2026·Science & Technology
Solve

Consider the following statements: I. Indian Railways have prepared a National Rail Plan (NRP) to create a future ready railway system by 2028. II. 'Kavac...

2025·Science & Technology
Solve

GPS-Aided Geo Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) uses a system of ground stations to provide necessary augmentation. Which of the following statements is/are corre...

2025·Science & Technology
Solve

Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding Smart India Hackathon 2017? 1. It is a centrally sponsored scheme for developing every city of ou...

2017·Science & Technology
Solve

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